Free workshop to explore the role of play, storytelling, in STEM learning

KOKOMO, Ind. - Teachers are invited to learn how to enhance STEM education through storytelling and play, at a free workshop Thursday, April 23, at Indiana University Kokomo.

Playing with Dolls & STEM in the Classroom incorporates Friends Forever Club dolls, each of which has a STEM interest and story.

Christina Romero, associate professor of education, and Jennifer McNeany, assistant clinical professor in school psychology, co-authored an article with a student about using the dolls to extend student engagement by using the dolls to connect students to areas of science.

"We're hoping that it will provide some different ways of thinking for our students and local teachers," Romero said. "They are going to learn about different digital tools we will offer at each station. These dolls have unique backgrounds and have STEM fields connected to them."

Two sessions will be available, from 3 to 4 p.m. and from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. in the Kelley Student Center, Room 130 AC. Those interested may register at go.iu.edu/7Ue37y.

Keynote speaker is Abdulraham Abou Dahesh, founder of Neurochem Lab, who will talk about how the brain works, and his education lab that brings neuroscience to life through educational content, training material, and stories.

Participants will then rotate through stations highlighting each of the four dolls and their stories. They include Carina, who is interested in astronomy; Iha, who focuses on biology; Alanis, interested in computer science and computer engineering; and Viera, with gemology and geology. Each person will have a station passport and will be entered in a drawing to win one of the dolls and a curriculum packet after completing all stations.

Romero and McNeany, along with Cheryl Moore-Beyioku, senior lecturer in special education; and Lu Wang, assistant professor of science education, created curriculum for the dolls. For example, Carina links to Stellarium, a free open-source planetarium for the computer. Each doll has a QR code viewers can use to activate her voice.

Moore-Beyioku added that IU Kokomo education students have been invited, in addition to teachers from area schools.

"Our students will definitely have the advantage of seeing the integration of technology, culture, and play," she said.

Attendees will complete pre- and post-session surveys to provide feedback.

The workshop is funded by an IN-MaC Micro-Grant.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.